Holistic Living: Where Do We Start

Holistic living has been a buzz phrase for the last decade, but many of us don’t even know what this really means. For most of us moms, we are just trying to get through the day by putting out the little fires are family consistently makes around us. But, maybe holistic living is easier than we think!

Holistic living, often spelled as “wholistic,” is a lifestyle approach that emphasizes the interconnectedness of various aspects of one’s well-being. It’s creating a healthy authentic life that values balance, health and wellness of your mind, body and spirit. Incorporating holistic practices into your family’s lifestyle can have numerous benefits for overall well-being.

Here are some ideas to make your family more holistic:

1. Healthy Nutrition:

Prioritize whole, unprocessed foods, and emphasize a balanced diet rich in fruits, vegetables, whole grains, lean proteins, and healthy fats. Cook meals together as a family and encourage mindful eating. The more you can get your family involved in the cooking, the more likely they will be to try the different items you made.

2. Regular Exercise:

Engage in physical activities that everyone enjoys, such as family walks, bike rides, or outdoor games. Exercise promotes physical health, reduces stress, and fosters a sense of togetherness. It’s also a great time to talk about everyone’s days and bond over the activities of the day. This is a great way to combine a connection with nature and open communication as well.

3. Mindful Practices:

Introduce mindfulness activities like meditation, deep breathing exercises, or yoga. These practices can help reduce stress, improve focus, and create a sense of calm. There are many videos on YouTube for young kids as well as older teens that can help everyone learn the importance of mindfulness.

4. Quality Sleep:

Create a sleep-friendly environment and establish consistent sleep routines for both adults and children. Quality sleep is crucial for overall well-being. The routine should include brushing teeth, bed time stories and quiet time before bed. Allowing your child time to rest in their room is really important so they understand it’s their special space to relax and rest.

5. Family Rituals:

Establish meaningful family rituals, such as regular family meals, game nights, or storytelling sessions. These rituals strengthen bonds and create a sense of belonging. They can happen every night or even weekly. For my family, we do a family game night every week and my older daughter and I share a journal that we pass back and forth every night. This will look different for every family.

6. Limit Screen Time:

Set healthy boundaries on screen time for both children and adults. This encourages more face-to-face interaction and reduces digital distractions. This is easier said than done because even homework is often done on the computer or a tablet. I have found that by incorporating more family time together, we have automatically eliminated a lot of screen time. That goes for both my husband and I as well as the kids.

7. Holistic Healthcare:

Consider incorporating holistic healthcare practices such as chiropractic care, acupuncture, or herbal remedies. Consult with qualified practitioners to explore what aligns with your family’s needs. There are easy ways to boost immunity, prevent illness and keep your kids healthy and well especially if they’re in school surrounded by germs.

8. Limit Toxins:

Be mindful of household toxins by using natural cleaning products and reducing exposure to chemicals. Remember, everything that touches your skin as well as your families will be absorbed so it’s important to know what you’re placing on everything from your dishes, to your househould items to even your clothing.

Remember that holistic living is a gradual process, and it’s important to involve the whole family in decision-making and implementation. Start with small changes and build from there, tailoring your approach to suit your family’s unique dynamics and preferences. It’s important to make the changes that will lead to a change in lifestyle as well. So don’t stress about it and begin the process when it’s right for you.